Typhoon wrecks aquaculture in Thanh Hoa province, farmers face bankruptcy
Typhoon No. 5 has destroyed hundreds of hectares of aquaculture farms in Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa province, leaving many families deep in debt and fearing they may not be able to rebuild.
In Hoang Chau commune, waves more than two metres high breached dykes and submerged fish and shrimp ponds, wiping out years of investment.
Nguyen Van Chuong, who had borrowed over VND 1 billion (USD 40,700) to reinforce nearly four hectares of ponds, said the storm swept everything away in less than an hour. “We don’t know how we could ever borrow again to start over,” he told local reporters.
Authorities said 354 hectares of aquaculture out of nearly 1,000 hectares in the commune were destroyed. The area normally produces more than 3,000 tonnes of seafood a year and is the main source of income for hundreds of households.
Farmers said they were left with nothing. Trinh Van Binh, who raised shrimp, fish and crabs on eight hectares, said his family of nine had lost their only livelihood. “All our efforts and money are gone, washed out to sea,” he said.
Local officials have reported the losses to higher authorities and urged support measures. Farmers are calling for land rent waivers, extended lease terms and investment in stronger sea dykes to help them recover and protect against future storms.
Typhoon No. 5, which struck Vietnam’s north-central coast over the weekend, brought heavy rains and strong winds that also damaged mangroves and flooded coastal villages.
VFM
